A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said that money to be reallocated from Remploy would be used more effectively to get disabled people into mainstream jobs – following advice from disability expert Liz Sayce.

In 2010/11 Remploy found more than 20,000 jobs in mainstream employment for disabled people and those facing complex barriers to work. Will private agencies do half as well?

Birmingham Yardley Liberal Democrat MP and businessman John Hemming is leading a campaign to try to safeguard the long-term future of the Garretts Green Remploy factory, by forming a John Lewis-style workers’ co-operative.

The Post reports that the plan is being backed by the Government, with the Minister for the Disabled, Esther McVey, describing the Birmingham plant as a “viable business with a strong customer base”.

The last word comes from Remploy – firms like G4S and Capita please note:

“We believe that work is a key element of an independent and fulfilling life, and that everyone has skills and abilities to offer. We work extensively with people to help them to identify, develop and make the most of those abilities”.